O'Grey began seeing a nutritionist, who suggested something unexpected - she told O'Grey to adopt a shelter dog.

Having a dog would force O'Grey to leave the house, get some exercise and dedicate his time to something, she said, and so he decided to give it a shot. O'Grey went to the Humane Society Silicon Valley, and told them, "I would like an obese, middle-aged dog." He wanted to have something in common with the dog he adopted - and something that they could work toward together.

Peety had been rescued after being left in a backyard for most of his life, with no one to play with or give him love. O'Grey took Peety home, and had absolutely no idea what to expect. Over time, he realized the nutritionist had been right - Peety changed his life.

"We really formed an inseparable bond, and one that I had never really experienced with another person or animal or anybody," O'Grey said.

The pair walked together for at least 30 minutes every single day. Within a year, O'Grey had lost over 140 pounds, and Peety had lost 25 pounds. O'Grey rid himself of his diabetes, and was able to go off all of his medications. He completely turned his life around.

O'Grey never really got over Peety's death, but knew that he had given the dog everything he possibly could, and, in turn, Peety had given him his life back.

Six months after Peety's death, O'Grey adopted another shelter dog in need, named Jake. He'll never forget everything Peety did for him, and is now paying it forward by helping another dog who needed a home.